Welcome to Gaia! ::

I have gotten lost in my own thread! xd

Now, if we consider Steampunk a lifestyle or even a 'second life' what do people think about questionable ruffians coming into the scene only to wear the clothes? Let us say these peoples are ill-bred and raised, badly educated (with no desire to further their knowledge), loud, screechy, and generally a public horror. Do we embrace them with the notion that the more, the merrier? Or do we quietly ignore them, hoping something else will grab their attention? Perhaps attempt to educated them for the better (with ample use of the rod, I hope)?

I understand the idea that those who are already SP are so because they are in love with a facet of the culture (be it mechanical, literature, steam driven, history, Victoriana, etc), so complete idiots might be a rare occurance. However, SP is starting to spread it's wings across the land and reach more people. More people are learning about it. More people mean more rubbish. As a culture or belief system grows larger, there are more people to taint it.

So, my question is not IF these people will enter the SP realm, but what are member's reactions to them when they appear?

I'd have to agree with Ms. Prime on this. Toleration is the only option we have, and the only option I personally believe to be the right one. Nothing is perfect, and there will always be those people that annoy us and give a bad name to the things we like. Trying to shun them from such things is childish and often ends up with even worse results than letting them run rampant and annoy people. Not only that, but people have a right to take part in the things that interest them, even if they don't completely understand what it is they're a part of, or care for that matter.

When people as a group start shunning others based on the fact that they don't follow things the same way the rest of us do is when I give up and leave. It's just not right by my moral standards, and it's the main reason why I don't follow organized religion(forgive me if you are religious, I mean you no offense). Simply because one does not adhere to what you believe is right, does not make them wrong. Steampunk to me has no real solid rules that make it so other than the fact that it is about the science of steam power and the connection to the Victorian era.

It would be like a country banishing you because you have a big mouth and get on some peoples nerves. Is that really fair to you? I think not.

For me it's just an interesting subculture. I'm glad it exists as it bodes well for the future, but overall my interest related to Steampunk themes and hypotheses in connection to the actual future.

Yes, it's silly to hypothesise future on the basis of fiction, but at the same time certain elements are falling together than make the Stempunk subculture of some interest - and perhaps importance - to those planning for the next era of mankind.

I am me. I don't not like to be overly influenced by any one subculture or idea... but I like steampunk, because it reminds me of me. I'm drawn to the Victorian Age because I tend to be a bit Victorian naturally; the ettiquette, modesty, honor, ect. that makes up much of Victorian behavior is just how I am.

As for steampunk, it's fun for me because it feels natural. The literature, the mindset, the fashions are all to my liking. But I don't take it overboard. I am not a steampunk girl; I am Violet. I rearrange the lifestyle to suit me, not the other way around.